Maine’s Freemasons stand by the state motto of “Dirigo,” a Latin word meaning “I lead.” Until 1820, Maine was part of Massachusetts. With the “Missouri Compromise,” Maine joined the Union as the 23 rd state and the Grand Lodge of Maine was born. The first Lodge in Maine was chartered in 1762 in Portland and other Lodges were formed in Machias in 1778, at Wiscasset in 1792, Castine in 1794 and Hollowell in 1796. At the time the Grand Lodge was founded, there were 31 Lodges. By 1870, there were 154 Lodges and over 14,000 members.
Of the many great Mainers who were Freemasons, three are worthy of special note: First is William King (1768–1852) who served as the first Governor of Maine and the first Grand Master in 1820. Second is Simon Greenleaf (1783–1853) known as “The Father of Maine Masonry.” Through his tireless efforts the Grand Lodge was founded. He served under William King as Deputy Grand Master and in turn as the second Grand Master. Greenleaf helped establish Harvard University’s School of Law where he served as a distinguished professor for many years. The Grand Lodge of Maine’s second highest award for “unusual contribution to Masonry,” is named in his honor.
Third is Josiah Hayden Drummond (1927–1902), the 21st Grand Master from 1860–1862. As chairman of the Committee on Foreign Correspondence from 1865 to 1902, “his pen was most potent in shaping the policy of Masonry throughout the world” and established his reputation as an American Masonic Scholar. The Josiah Hayden Drummond Award, the highest Masonic award given by the Grand Lodge of Maine for “outstanding proficiency in the knowledge of Freemasonry and distinguished service,” pays tribute to his leadership and dedication to the Craft.
Today, the Grand Lodge of Maine has 181 Lodges with over 16,000 members. Under the direction of current Grand Master M.W. Bro. Richard M. Nadeau, the Grand Lodge supports many charities and activities. This includes scholarships for college students, the Maine Child Identification Program (ChIP) and Maine Lodge of Research among others. The Maine Masonic College was established in 2005 as one of the first Masonic learning centers in the country. The Grand Lodge is in the process of placing its annual Proceedings and other printed histories online through its website.
Maine/US – Bangor Masonic Hall destroyed in fire 20 years ago
Maine/US – ‘It feels good to give’: Auburn toy drive and Santa look to help those in need this holiday season
Maine/US – Monument Lodge co-hosts International Masonic Meeting
Maine/US – Maine Masons encourage thousands of youth to read
Maine/U.S. – Calling all BRHS Alumni! Come to the first ever Alumni/Masonic Cookout
Maine/U.S. – Freemasons help Ukrainians
Maine/U.S. – Waterville man receives Masonic Scouting award
Maine/U.S. – Masonic donation made towards Landing Place
Maine/U.S. – Masonic lodge makes local charity contribution
Masonic Grand Lodge of Maine
- A Deserving Brother – George Washington and Freemasonry November 30, 2021The George Washington Masonic National Memorial Association is co-publishing, with the University of Virginia Press, a book which will become the definitive work on George Washington, his membership in and involvement with our fraternity. A Deserving Brother – George Washington and Freemasonry, written by Brother Mark A. Tabbert, PM,33o, the Director of… Read more » The post […]Grand Lodge
- 2023 Memorial Cornerstone Dedication of the George Washington Masonic National Memorial October 5, 2021For more information visit https://gwmemorial.org/pages/cornerstone The post 2023 Memorial Cornerstone Dedication of the George Washington Masonic National Memorial appeared first on Masonic Grand Lodge of Maine.Grand Secretary
- Grand Master’s Edict June 29, 2020Grand Masters Edict 5/28/2020 To: The Officers and Members of all Constituent Lodges, Appendant Bodies and Building Associations of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Maine For several weeks we have been at the mercy of the Corona Virus and the local, state, and federal guidelines directing our actions during… Read more » The post […]Scott Whytock
- Social Media, Why Do We Need A Policy? June 11, 2020Brethren, Please see the Social Media Opinion piece from Br. Daniel E. Bartlett, R.W. Deputy Grand Master. Social Media, why do we need a policy? By Bro. Daniel E. Bartlett R.W. Deputy Grand Master The Grand Lodge of Maine Social Media Policy originated in June 2013 and is the… Read more » The post […]Scott Whytock
- George Washington Masonic National Memorial Newsletter April 11, 2020Please find a link below to the latest edition of the newsletter produced by the George Washington Masonic National Memorial. Light – Volume 26, Number 1 – 2020 The post George Washington Masonic National Memorial Newsletter appeared first on Masonic Grand Lodge of Maine.Scott Whytock
- Covid-19 Announcement from the Grand Master March 15, 2020Please see the announcement from the Grand Master regarding lodge activities in the foreseeable future. March 15th Announcement from Most Worshipful Mark Rustin The post Covid-19 Announcement from the Grand Master appeared first on Masonic Grand Lodge of Maine.Scott Whytock
- 200th Anniversary Coin May 10, 2019Be sure to get your 200th Anniversary Coin celebrating a major milestone for Freemasonry in the State of Maine. They’re a great collector’s item to have at your home or office. They’ve also been used as a gift of appreciation to a Brother and a warm way to welcome to… Read more » The post […]Scott Whytock
- Updated Constitution April 24, 2019On the Resources tab you’ll find a new linked version of the Grand Constitution, Standing, Regulations, and Digest of Decisions. With the old version, you had to scroll up and down to find what you wanted. Now you can go to the index, find the section you want, click on… Read more » The post […]Scott Whytock
- 2019 Annual Communication April 10, 2019Please see below for information on the upcoming Grand Lodge of Maine Annual Communication for 2019. We have included a pdf with the schedule for the event, as well as another pdf with proposed amendments to the Grand Constitution for final vote. Please contact the Grand Secretary at grandsecretary@mainemason.org or 207-843-1086… Read more » The post […]Scott Whytock
- Grand Secretary “Lowdown” – Info for Lodge Secretaries and Others-September 2018 August 27, 2018Here we are with summer coming to a close…Whaaat? Already? There has been a lot going on around the state involving our Fraternity from Maine Mason Day with the Portland Sea Dogs, Widow’s Sons rides and family camping events, supporting the MS Bike Ride, Maine Masonic College classes, golf tournaments… Read more » The post […]Scott Whytock
Masonic Grand Lodge of Maine.
Address: Grand Lodge of Maine, PO Box 430, 1007 Main Road, Holden, Maine 04429
Phone: 207-843-1086
Email: Scott Walton, grandsecretary@mainemason.org
